Cox to get the nod for Swede clash

SIMON COX is likely to get the nod ahead of Wes Hoolahan for the vital World Cup qualifier in Sweden in just 14 days' time.

Wary of the attacking threat posed by a Sweden side that have scored 14 goals in their last five games, Giovanni Trapattoni may decide to play with just one lone striker in the game in Stockholm.

The Ireland boss admitted that Conor Sammon, who started in the last match against Poland and Hoolahan, who came off the bench to score in that match, have given him food for thought but he's unlikely to start either man.

That could see Cox, who has played in 22 of Ireland's 24 games since he made his debut two years ago, earn a role as a wide player as the Ireland boss sees someone like Hoolahan as the type of player to make an impact off the bench.

"I can put another striker on the right or the left side, maybe during the game we can have one striker, maybe with Hoolahan behind one striker," said Trapattoni. "We won't give up on our offensive play, we could play Cox but he must work like a midfielder, not a striker.

"We need experience up front away from home.

"I would be tempted to play Wes Hoolahan and Conor Sammon, but I also want to watch what happens in the game. I saw the last game involving Derby County and Sammon did well, they can make a big impact.

"And I have to remember that we have another game four days later, that game against Austria is very important."